If you want to get fit, lose a few pounds, or improve your health, you might assume that increasing your activity levels is the way forward. While exercise is certainly an important factor in achieving these goals, it isn’t the only thing that counts.
Your diet has a major impact on your health, well-being, and your fitness levels. Trying to out-exercise a bad diet might be tempting, especially if you love your food, but it won’t work in the long-term. Here’s why:
You’ll eat more calories than you realize
When people eat unhealthy food, they tend to underestimate the calories they’re consuming. If you’re tempted to have a fast food meal, for example, don’t just look at the fat, calories, and carbs in the main part of your meal. Take the sides, condiments, and drink into account too and you’ll get an idea of the real impact an unhealthy diet has.
You’ll lack energy
If you regularly feel tired or fatigued, your diet could be the culprit. When you cook your own nutritious meals or follow a nutrition guide, like the Jason Statham diet plan, you can ensure that you’re fueling your body in the right way. As well as feeling more energetic at work and at home, you’ll be able to maximize your performance at the gym too.
Your mental health can suffer
Your diet doesn’t just have an impact on your physical health; it impacts your emotional well-being too. Eating unhealthily means you rarely get the amino acids and nutrients your brain needs to function optimally. In addition to this, eating unhealthy foods can send you into a spiral of self-loathing, which can be hard to break. In contrast, a healthy diet gives your brain the nutrients it needs, while exercising releases ‘feel-good’ endorphins that boost your mood.
You won’t gain definition
Even if you can maintain a healthy weight while eating an unhealthy diet, this won’t enable you to sculpt your body or develop well-defined muscles. In fact, an unhealthy diet can result in hidden health problems, even if you maintain an appropriate weight. If you want to ‘tone up’ and enhance your health, improving your diet is essential.
You’ll feel worse
You might feel good when you’re eating fast food or a sugary treat but that feeling won’t last long. Unhealthy foods tend to give you an immediate high or a short burst of energy – followed by a slump. To avoid this, you’ll want to consume foods that give you a constant flow of energy. By avoiding the peaks and troughs associated with unhealthy foods, you can keep your blood sugar, energy levels, and blood pressure much more stable.
Embracing a Healthy Diet
Switching to a healthier diet doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right recipes, you’ll be amazed at just how good a healthy diet can be. What’s more – getting into the kitchen and cooking from scratch gives you the opportunity to explore your creative side and take control of what’s in your meals.
Victoria_Hill says
“Exercise and nutrition are both important aspects of overall health and weight loss, but when it comes to losing weight you will never be able to burn more than what you eat, which is why dietary choices are so important.” Here’s a visual representation on why it’s so hard to outrun a poor diet. Note these are approximate values.